article Central Kentucky Preseason Power Rankings - 2017

1.Scott County Cardinals (11-3): The Cardinals seemingly ran wild on their opponents last season only picking up 3 losses the entire season including playoffs. Two of the losses came against Lafayette a 1-0 defeat due to a forfeit by the Cardinals. Lafayette would defeat the Cardinals 48-47 in the Class 6A state semi-finals ending the Cardinals season. The week before, a 2 point conversion was the difference in the Scott County-Ryle game with the Cardinals surviving. The Cardinals once again have a stellar schedule and why not? With their two leading offensive players returning; RB Brice Fryman who ran for over 1000 yards and QB Josh Davis who threw over 1200 yards and 14 TD’s on 97 pass attempts completing 57 of those passes. Scott County also returns the leading receiver Glenn Covington. Defensive star Cooper Robb returns as well. The Cardinals are in great shape to make a run at a 6A state title.

2. 6A Lafayette Generals (13-2)- If not for 6A State Champion Trinity, Lafayette would have gotten over the hump of the Fayette County 6A Title Drought. The Shamrocks handed a supremely talented Generals team both their losses. Lafayette has planted their flag as the top Lexington Public School and will look to retain that title. Lafayette lost some heavy hitters including a pair of SEC signees, but the cupboard is far from bare. DB KJ Cooper, LB Ean Shaw, RB Cameron Morgan, and WR De’Kwan Edwards were all key players last year and will be asked to lead the charge.

3. 2A Danville Admirals (12-3)- Absolutely loaded! Danville is ready to restore their rich tradition with a veteran roster returning nearly intact and playmakers galore such as RB/LB Don Harris and ATH Demauriae VanCleave. Danville has unfinished business after a valiant effort came up short in the 2A State Finals, but they must keep focus as their District will be incredibly difficult.

4. Lexington Christian Academy Eagles (12-1):The Eagles saw their 1^st dream season come to an end in 2016 losing 34-28 to Danville after defeating the Admirals just a few weeks before. The Eagles will have one of the most talented teams they’ve had since their state championships teams.

5. (3A) Lexington Catholic Knights (7-6): The Knights have had some disappointing seasons lately but they have high hopes for the 2017 season. Question is, can they stay healthy and over come some the odds?

6. Frederick Douglass Stallions (0-0):The newest Lexington School and they are eager to get the season started. The Stallions picked up some players from the other schools that should make for a great first season.

7. Henry Clay Blue Devils (3-7-1):The Devils had one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memories. The off-season has brought a ton of optimism as the Devils appear loaded at the skill spots with a lot of young players who will be a year stronger and faster. Greg Couch is expected to take a big leap forward at QB with Zac Berezowitz and Michael McMullen back as his top targets. Henry Clay’s fortunes though may begin and end at the LOS where they struggled a year ago.

8. 3A Boyle County Rebels (7-5):The Rebels struggled last season, but 2018 appears to be more promising with a solid bunch returning that will look to lead the Rebels for a deep run in the playoffs.

9. 6A Madison Central Indians (8-3):Madison Central had one of its better seasons last year and should have another decent season this year. Senior RB Gavin Hulberg will be the one that leads this Indians squad.

10. 4A Mercer County Titans (8-5):The Titans had a great season last year but 2017 could be a different story in re-building mode. It could very well be a fast re-building mode as we’ve seen before.

11. 5A Madison Southern Eagles (8-4):Ever since the arrival of Coach Jon Clark, the Eagles have been in the hunt of a district championship as well as a potential deep playoff run. The Eagles have a very talented group back that could spell D.I.S.T.R.I.C.T. C.H.A.M.P.S.

12. 6A Tates Creek Commodores (6-6):The Commodores have seen lots of improvement over the past several years and could have a better season next season and surprisingly they really haven’t been affected by the new Frederick Douglass school that opened up this fall.

13. 3A Western Hills Wolverines (7-4):Western Hills had one of it’s better seasons last season than they have had in the past few years. Star RB WanDale Robinson will look to lead the Wolverines to a better season in 2018.

14. 6A Bryan Station Defenders (4-7):The Defenders had a rough season last year and their talent pool was hit hard by Frederick Douglass.

15. 6A Paul Lauerence Dunbar Bulldogs (3-8):Dunbar’s streak of rough seasons continued in 2016 and I don’t think it will get any better in 2017.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN:

Estill County Engineers (9-3): The Engineers won their first district title in school history and defeated a Breathitt County team that they hadn’t defeated since the 1989 season. Speaking of Breathitt County, the Engineers picked up a big transfer in JT O’Hair who will likely be the QB of this Engineer offense who return RB’s Austin Salyer and Logan Beckler.

Frankfort Panthers (4-8):The Panthers struggled greatly last season but return a talented team that could make for a big turnaround in 2017.

George Rogers Clark Cardinals (1-10):The Cardinals struggled horribly last season and you wouldn’t think so even with 9 seniors on that team.

Week 0 Game of the Week: #6 Frederick Douglass at #3 Danville- Usually when a 6A and a 2A team square off you can expect the larger school to roll. The depth of Frederick Douglass will certainly test the Admirals in the season opener, but Danville’s also not going to see something that their numerous two and three-year starters haven’t already faced. Expect a fast paced and heavy hitting affair as both teams look to start the year with a statement win.

Pre-Season Top 15 Players:

15. ATH Reese Smith, Boyle County

14. DB KJ Cooper, Lafayette

13. WR/DB Trevon Faulkner, Mercer County

12. ATH Jefferson Harkless, Frederick Douglass

11. RB Dameon Jones, Lexington Catholic

10. RB/LB Donleavy Harris, Danville

9. LB Carter Smith, Madison Southern

8. DB Cooper Robb, Scott County

7. DL Dayton LeBlanc, Frederick Douglass

6. RB Cameron Morgan, Lafayette

5. ATH Demauriae VanCleave, Danville

4. OL Will Bramel, Boyle County

3. RB/LB Dillon Wheatley, Lexington Christian Academy

2. RB WanDale Robinson, Western Hills

1. OL Bryan Hudson, Scott County

I just dont see all the Danville hype, Madison Central seems low compared to what everyone is saying. Other than that its a dart board.

No mention of Anderson County anywhere?

Anderson County will be knocking on the door as well. Return a lot of their offensive firepower from last season. Should be much improved.